H.M.S. Surprise

Still good the second time through. I reckon this is the book where the series really gets going.
4+ stars.

If the first book was "let's see if I can write a stirring, nautical story" and the second book was "maybe I should pad out the world so I can write a series", this one is "let's bring it all together and really pull the stops out!".

HMS Surprise has the perfect combination of nautical, martial and personal, with a globe roaming narrative and just enough personal drama to full the gaps. As with the previous books, I am enjoying that the stories are largely focused on Stephen Maturin, who is by the far the more interesting character. Jack Aubrey has his place, but outside of the battles he does give off a "boys messing about in boats" vibe.

So, onwards to the next book...